20 02 2018

IRS Issues Filing Tips Ahead Of Busy Tax Season Period

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has offered taxpayers several tips and time-saving resources, in anticipation that there will be a surge in filing activity during President's Day weekend (February 17-19).

"With a surge in tax returns coming in, this is typically a peak period on IRS helplines. To avoid lengthy waits on the phone during this period, the IRS encourages taxpayers to first try the resources on IRS.gov," said the agency.

It recommends taxpayers use online tools including the IRS Services Guide, the Interactive Tax Assistant, the Tax Topics and Frequently Asked Questions sections, Tax Trails, and the IRS Tax Map. Tax professionals can use the Tax Pro page dedicated to their unique needs.

Taxpayers whose income is USD66,000 or less can use IRS Free File to access a number of free tax-preparation software products. Alternatively, eligible taxpayers needing free in-person tax-preparation assistance may opt for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Smart phone and tablet users can download the IRS2Go app, which can be used to check refund status, make a payment, and find free tax preparation assistance.

Those who do call the IRS will be asked to verify their identities.

To ensure that taxpayers do not have to call back, the agency recommends taxpayers to have the relevant documents ready, including social security numbers, individual taxpayer identification numbers, filing status, prior year tax returns, current year tax returns, and a copy of any communications received from the IRS. Tax professionals will also need verbal or written authorization from their client.